Tester leads effort to cut red tape, create jobs, boost energy savings for schools

Senator backs bill to streamline effort making buildings more energy efficient

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Jon Tester is leading an effort in the Senate to create jobs, cut government red tape and help schools save on energy costs.

Tester is backing the bipartisan Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act, which would strengthen cooperation across the U.S. Department of Energy to help retrofit schools for energy efficiency.

The bill would also:

• Streamline federal resources and outreach for local energy efficiency efforts,
• Allow states and local communities to create support networks for energy efficiency projects,
• Direct technical assistance to local schools pursuing greater energy efficiency.

“At a time when school districts and communities across Montana are struggling with shrinking budgets, this effort will create jobs and save those schools money on energy costs,” Tester said.  “While we work to make Montana a leader in renewable energy, we can also support jobs and save money by boosting efficiency.  It’s a win-win.”

Tester is a longtime proponent of energy efficiency and renewable energy from his time in the Montana State Senate, when he championed efforts like the Montana Renewable Portfolio Standard, signed into law in 2005.  Tester also supports an initiative to get 25 percent of America’s energy from renewable resources by the year 2025.

The Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act is available on Tester’s website, HERE.